The U.S. Department of State has just dropped the January 2026 Visa Bulletin, bringing fresh hope to thousands of green card applicants worldwide. Released on December 17, 2025, this monthly update outlines the latest priority dates for family-sponsored and employment-based immigrant visas. For Indian applicants, who often face the longest backlogs due to high demand and per-country limits, there’s notable progress in certain categories – especially EB-1 for priority workers. If you’re navigating the U.S. green card process, this guide breaks down everything you need to know in simple terms, including how to check if your priority date is current and what steps to take next.
Whether you’re an H-1B holder waiting for an employment-based green card or sponsoring family members, understanding these changes can help you plan ahead. We’ll cover the key highlights, detailed charts, and expert insights to make the complex immigration system easier to grasp. As of December 19, 2025, no major revisions have been announced, but always verify with official sources for the most current info.
What Is the Visa Bulletin and Why Does It Matter?
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly report from the U.S. Department of State that shows when immigrant visas (green cards) are available based on your priority date – the date your petition was filed. It’s crucial because the U.S. limits the number of green cards issued each year: about 226,000 for family-sponsored and at least 140,000 for employment-based. No single country can claim more than 7% of these visas, leading to massive backlogs for countries like India and China.
The bulletin features two main charts:
- Final Action Dates: When your green card can be approved or issued.
- Dates for Filing: When you can submit your adjustment of status application (Form I-485) if USCIS allows it.
For January 2026, USCIS has confirmed that applicants should use the Dates for Filing chart for family-sponsored preferences and the Final Action Dates chart for employment-based preferences when filing for adjustment of status. This is a key detail – it means some family-based applicants can file earlier than the final action cutoff.
If your priority date is earlier than the listed cutoff, you’re eligible to move forward. Otherwise, you’ll need to wait for future bulletins. Pro tip: Compare your priority date from your I-130 or I-140 approval notice against these charts.
Family-Sponsored Green Card Updates: Slow Progress Amid Backlogs
Family-based categories continue to show limited movement, with Indian applicants facing multi-year waits in most subcategories. The good news? The F2A category (spouses and minor children of permanent residents) saw a significant jump in the Dates for Filing chart, advancing to December 22, 2025 – that’s over a year forward from previous months. However, other categories like F3 and F4 remain stagnant, highlighting the ongoing immigration backlog.
Here’s a breakdown of the January 2026 priority dates for India (and comparisons for context):
Final Action Dates for Family-Sponsored (India)
| Category | Description | Priority Date Cutoff |
|---|---|---|
| F1 | Unmarried sons/daughters (21+) of U.S. citizens | November 8, 2016 |
| F2A | Spouses and minor children of permanent residents | February 1, 2024 |
| F2B | Unmarried sons/daughters (21+) of permanent residents | December 1, 2016 |
| F3 | Married sons/daughters of U.S. citizens | September 8, 2011 |
| F4 | Brothers/sisters of U.S. citizens | January 8, 2008 |
Dates for Filing for Family-Sponsored (India)
| Category | Description | Priority Date Cutoff |
|---|---|---|
| F1 | Unmarried sons/daughters (21+) of U.S. citizens | September 1, 2017 |
| F2A | Spouses and minor children of permanent residents | December 22, 2025 |
| F2B | Unmarried sons/daughters (21+) of permanent residents | March 15, 2017 |
| F3 | Married sons/daughters of U.S. citizens | July 22, 2012 |
| F4 | Brothers/sisters of U.S. citizens | March 1, 2009 |
Key Takeaway for Families: If you’re in F2A, this is your moment – file now if your date qualifies. For others, patience is key, as backlogs can stretch 10-20 years for Indians. No retrogressions (backwards movement) were reported, which is a relief after past fluctuations.
Employment-Based Green Card Updates: EB-1 Shines for Indians
The employment-based side brings more optimism, with forward movement across most categories. Indian applicants in EB-1 (extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, multinational executives) get a massive boost: the Final Action Date jumped nearly a year to February 1, 2023. This could clear the path for thousands of highly skilled professionals. EB-2 and EB-3 also advanced modestly, but backlogs remain deep (over a decade for some).
EB-5 investors see strong availability, especially in set-aside categories like rural and high-unemployment areas, which are “current” (no wait) for all countries.
Final Action Dates for Employment-Based (India)
| Category | Description | Priority Date Cutoff |
|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Priority workers (extraordinary ability, etc.) | February 1, 2023 |
| EB-2 | Advanced degree professionals | July 15, 2013 |
| EB-3 | Skilled workers and professionals | November 15, 2013 |
| Other Workers | Unskilled workers | November 15, 2013 |
| EB-4 | Special immigrants (religious workers, etc.) | January 1, 2021 |
| EB-5 Unreserved | Investors | May 1, 2022 |
| EB-5 Set-Asides (Rural, High Unemployment, Infrastructure) | Investors in targeted areas | Current (No backlog) |
Dates for Filing for Employment-Based (India)
| Category | Description | Priority Date Cutoff |
|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | Priority workers | August 1, 2023 |
| EB-2 | Advanced degree professionals | December 1, 2013 |
| EB-3 | Skilled workers and professionals | August 15, 2014 |
| Other Workers | Unskilled workers | August 15, 2014 |
| EB-4 | Special immigrants | March 15, 2021 |
| EB-5 Unreserved | Investors | May 1, 2024 |
| EB-5 Set-Asides | Investors in targeted areas | Current (No backlog) |
Key Takeaway for Employers and Workers: EB-1’s advance is a game-changer for top talent from India. If you’re in EB-2 or EB-3, expect incremental progress – analysts predict continued forward movement into February 2026, especially with no warnings of retrogression. H-1B holders should consult attorneys about upgrading categories if possible.
How the Per-Country Limit Affects Indian Applicants
India’s high volume of skilled immigrants means longer waits compared to other countries. For example, while EB-1 is “current” for most nations, Indians face a 2023 cutoff. This 7% cap promotes diversity but creates frustration. Recent discussions on X highlight mixed reactions: some celebrate EB-1 gains, while others call for reforms. Immigration experts note that early FY2026 (which started October 2025) often sees faster advancements as new visas become available.
Next Steps: How to Check and Act on Your Priority Date
- Find Your Priority Date: It’s on your USCIS approval notice (I-797).
- Compare It: Use the charts above or the official bulletin.
- File If Eligible: Visit USCIS.gov for forms and fees. Use Dates for Filing for family cases this month.
- Track Updates: Sign up for USCIS alerts or check monthly bulletins.
- Seek Help: Consult an immigration lawyer – backlogs can change unpredictably.
For the full PDF of the bulletin, download it from the State Department site.
Final Thoughts: Hope on the Horizon for Green Card Seekers
The January 2026 Visa Bulletin offers incremental relief, particularly for EB-1 Indians, but underscores the need for patience in a system strained by demand. With no retrogressions and steady advances, 2026 could bring more positive shifts. Stay informed, prepare your documents, and remember: every bulletin is a step closer to your American dream.
